Celebrate Spring With These 6 Healthy Asparagus Recipes

After what’s quite possibly been the country’s longest winter, verdant, perky spears of asparagus seem like the first true sign of spring. Celebrate the turn of the seasons with the following dishes, which manage to highlight the vegetable and its grassy essence in delicious ways that won’t weigh you down.

1. Asparagus and Snow Pea Salad

CHOW

Cookbook author Patricia Wells created this asparagus and snow pea salad, which makes for a simple, elegant lunch when served with crusty bread and a glass of rosé. Get Patricia Wells’ Crunchy Asparagus and Snow Pea Salad recipe.

2. Asparagus and Shiitake Sauté

Bon Appetit

We challenge you to try to make a faster vegetarian dinner than this one; it comes together in 10 minutes. Get the recipe here.

3. Grilled Beef-Stuffed with Asparagus

Food Republic

It may not be the first food to come to mind, but asparagus spears can actually be great bar food. Wrap them with thinly-sliced steak fillets, then brush with a sake-mirin marinade before sautéing. Get the recipe here.